The well-known Yoruba actor Abijawara Bi Ekun, whose real name is Alhaji Tajudeen Oyewole, recently recounted an engrossing story from his early acting career. In an open discussion.
The veteran star looked back on the unforgettable moment he earned his first income as an actor, shedding light on how much it meant to him during those formative years.
Abijawara disclosed that his initial earnings came around the time the 5 naira note was newly released in Nigeria. He was astonished to be paid 50 naira for his role, an amount that felt like a treasure in those days. “I was amazed to receive such a sum. It seemed like a huge deal back then, and I couldn’t contain my excitement,” he recalled with a warm grin.
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The actor described the moment he was given a cheque for his payment with vivid detail. At first, he was filled with doubt, wondering if the money could possibly be for something as big as purchasing a vehicle. “When I noticed the name of a reputable bank on the cheque, I thought it might not be real or that someone was playing a prank. I decided to hold off on cashing it right away,” he admitted. To keep it secure, he neatly folded the cheque and slipped it into his pocket while filming continued. Since the production team took care of meals, he had no urgent need to spend the money and chose to safeguard it for the time being.
When asked about how he eventually used the earnings, Abijawara laughed as he shared that he waited until he returned to his hometown before withdrawing the cash. “I kept it a secret from my wife until I had the money in my hands. It felt like a personal achievement,” he said, reflecting on the pride of earning from his craft.
His transition from questioning a simple cheque to becoming a celebrated figure in Yoruba cinema resonates with aspiring talents and admirers alike. This touching narrative not only showcases his personal milestones but also captures a time when 50 naira symbolized hope and the start of a promising career.
